May’s Tech Comm Café welcomed another interesting mix of people: one was not only new to the group, but new to Vancouver as well, and exactly half were looking for employment while the other half were currently working in the industry. The discussion covered a broad range of topics. During the introductions, one of the job-hunters said they’d discovered some fraudulent job postings, which certainly got our attention.
We also discussed whether it’s better to learn technical writing online or in a classroom. Online learning allows one to learn anywhere in the world. However, you might not get as much from the material as you would if you had someone to discuss it with. But, someone who had recently attended in-person classes mentioned that some classes provided little to no interaction between students.
Much of the discussion was regarding strategies on being a successful employment candidate:
- Whether candidates need to specialize in software and coding.
- Expectations of job postings versus the actual duties.
- Suggestions for improving tech writing portfolios.
Since managers and human resources personnel are not always aware of what technical writers do, job postings sometimes list many more skills than are necessary for the job. However, experienced technical writers and writing instructors often advise candidates to apply for jobs for which they might have only half the skills required. It was good to hear this message again.
It might be helpful to volunteer our writing skills to organizations related to our preferred target industry, to build up our portfolio material. Another suggestion was to write on “open” websites where you are free to write or edit material.
We also discussed work cultures. Technical writers might have to communicate differently with coworkers depending on their positions and locations in your company. For example, if you work from home or in a different time zone, you might have to ask all your questions by e-mail instead of face to face, and you might not have the advantage of discovering relevant news by chance in the coffee room.
We also found out that a local STC member had attended the recent STC conference in Denver and will present a recap of what he learned via an upcoming webinar, article, or meeting. Check the website for more information soon or subscribe to be notified of the date and details.
The Tech Comm Café provides networking opportunities, job leads, answers to work-related dilemmas, and a burst of professional energy to keep you motivated. We discuss technical writing tools and techniques, career planning, portfolios, and anything else related to working as a technical communicator.
We welcome anyone who’s interested in technical communication — contractor, in-house, student, long-time tech writer, STC member, non-member, career-changer, or recruiter. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Next Meetings
- Vancouver-area Tech Comm Café: July 17. Details below.
- Victoria Tech Comm Café: June 12.
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
Next Vancouver-area Tech Comm Café: Wednesday, July 17, 2019
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 16.
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Time: 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific Time
Location: Green Basil Thai Restaurant, 4623 Kingsway (near Metrotown), Burnaby, BC. Check their website for menu and pricing.
Green Basil is across the street from the northwest corner of Metrotown, on the north side of Kingsway, east of McKay Ave. Metrotown Skytrain station; free or metered parking on nearby streets.
Agenda
- Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
- Announcements and job leads. If you know of an interesting event or a job opening, or you’re looking for work, share it with the group.
- Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
- Speed networking. Spend a few minutes with a new contact, exchange business cards, and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
